Is The Punishment for Sin Death?

This thread is in response to the following YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZrAtTfskso&list=PLHjVR-mjXyvH0JUij49wuNmkg4lUBnM6R&index=25&ab_channel=IdolKiller

The thread is only tangentially related to the YouTube video. So watching the video will not benefit the reader one way or the other.

This a discussion between 5 persons about whether the punishment for sin is death.

1. @kisstheson9519
The punishment for sin is death. Isn’t it simply understood that Jesus conquered death and through Him, we have victory over the punishment of sin?

2. @IdolKiller –> @kisstheson9519
Death was a MERCY God enacted upon man, to limit his suffering and provide means of redemption. Though there are specific sins so grave death is a penalty enacted upon the guilty as a mercy to the living.

3. @kisstheson9519 –> @IdolKiller
The punishment for sin is death and we are able to conquer death through Christ.
James 1:15
“Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.”

1 John 4:9
“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.”

4. @ChristPlusZero.org –> @kisstheson9519
I am interested in this claim that the punishment for sin is death. Can you provide a verse or two that would help a biblically ignorant person to understand this claim to be true?

@Dizerner –> @ChristPlusZero.org
The soul that sins shall die

5. @ChristPlusZero.org –> @Dizerner
Thanks for your response. I agree that Ezekiel 18:4 (to which you refer) is indeed a punishment. But this verse does not appear to support the idea that each and every sin deserves death which is usually what is meant when someone says “the punishment for sin is death.” Ezekiel 18 refers to a sinner’s UNTIMELY death on account of his unfazed and utter disloyalty to God’s law. Such death is an execution and not mere mortality. This is seen when the same chapter speaks of a repentant sinner who does not die. Ezekiel 18:4, then, serves to show that the generic penalty for sin cannot be death (at least not the one mentioned in Ezekiel). Is there another verse you can provide that supports your initial claim?

6. @kisstheson9519 –> @ChristPlusZero.org
Forgive me, I misspoke.
The payment for sin is death which is a payment that no one can afford, so technically it can be considered a punishment 😉

James 1:15 – Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Romans 5:12 – Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

7. @ChristPlusZero.org –> @kisstheson9519
I think we can all agree that whatever James 1:15 means, it cannot mean that the punishment for sin is death. Otherwise, the Scriptures would not speak of a sin that is not unto death (1 John 5:17). The mere fact that there are several sins in the Bible that do not require UNTIMELY death is a testament to the fact that the generic penalty for sin is not death. Hence, it seems that so far, the popular premise that “the punishment for sin is death” is unproven. Else, are there other passages that serve to bolster this premise?

Where is the God of Judgment?

The Righteousness Seeker’s Observation:

Righteous art thou, O LORD…yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Why doth the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all they happy that deal very treacherously? (Jeremiah 12:1) …there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness (Ecclesiastes 7:15) no man knoweth either [God’s] love or hatred by all that is before them. All things come alike to all…as is the good, so is the sinner (Ecclesiastes 9:1-2) He [the wicked] hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for I shall never be in adversity…His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity. He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: He hideth his face; He will never see it (Psalm 10:6,7,12)…I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore [God’s] people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to [the unrighteous]. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. (Psalms 73:3-14)…they say, The LORD hath forsaken the earth, and the LORD seeth not (Ezekiel 9:9)…Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? (Psalm 10:1) Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: why lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he? (Habakuk 1:13) It is [,it seems,] vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?…the proud [are called] happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.(Malachi 3:14-15)…[it seems that] Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delighteth in them…where is the God of judgment? (Malachi 2:17)

God’s Reply:

Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered (Proverbs 11:21). [For] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good (Proverbs 15:3). I have heard the cry of the righteous, and a book of remembrance is written before me for them that fear the LORD (Malachi 3:16). Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. (Psalm 37:7), Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity (Psalm 37:1). Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). Be not thou envious against evil men, neither desire to be with them. (Proverbs 24:1). Let not thine heart envy sinners: but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long (Proverbs 23:17). For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity (Psalms 125:3). And as for me also, mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head (Ezekiel 9:10). For [I] shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14). [Therefore] When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; it is that they shall be destroyed for ever (Psalms 92:7). There is no peace, saith the LORD, unto the wicked (Isaiah 48:22).

If Our Gospel Be Hid

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

(2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

According to the Bible, the gospel is the good news that a selfless Savior has undermined and even rectified mankind’s self-inflicted and ruinous plight. That Savior is Jesus (or Yeshua) the Messiah, the atoning lamb of God who bestows salvation upon those who place their trust in Him (Romans 5:6-10; John 3:16). One of the necessary implications of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 is that this gospel in not hidden from those who need to hear it. Among those who need to hear this gospel include every single human whom God has ever brought into existence. For it is this same group of people who are in trouble and are hence in need of such a remedy. In other words, since all are entrenched in a ruinous plight then it is all who need to hear the gospel. Or, as Paul states in 2 Corinthians 5:14: “if one died for all, then were all dead.”

But, have they not all heard the gospel (Romans 10:18)? Yes, all have indeed heard the gospel. At least that is what 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 necessarily implies. In that passage God reveals that all who are lost are lost due to unbelief. Matthew 13:19 says “when any one hears the word of the kingdom, and understands it not, then comes the wicked one, and catches away that which was sown in his heart.” Hence Matthew 13:19 confirms that the “god of this world”, i.e., Satan, blinds “the minds of them which believe not” only after they have first received the gospel (“the word of the kingdom”) and neglected to understand it. Second Corinthians 4:3-4 is saying that if the gospel is hid it is only hid to those who are lost. This lostness is not due to the gospel’s unavailability but to the blinded person’s willful negligence. The term blinded in verse 4 implies that someone is obstructing vision. If removing the blinders makes the gospel present then that must means the gospel was always available. Hence, the unbelief of those who are lost on the day of judgement is not an inopportune unbelief but a willful unbelief. Once the sinner professes that he doesn’t need the gospel then Satan comes along and removes what was unwanted. Satan blinds the sinner from seeing that which was deemed useless for him to behold.

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 also implies that the gospel is not hid to those who for one reason or another have not yet heard it. For if the gospel is only hid to those who have dared to disobey it, then that must mean it is available to all other children of Adam. Whether those who are yet to hear include: yourself, your neighbor, your miscarried child, the Pharaoh of the Exodus, the Amorites, the Amalekites, aborted babies, etc. it really makes no difference. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 implies that what is unhidden to those who have not heard the gospel is the gospel. On Judgment Day, God will ascertain whether each person has obeyed the gospel (Romans 2:16; Hebrews 2:3). According to the implications of 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, no one will, on that day, have a basis for claiming that the gospel of which God speaks was somehow hidden or inaccessible. In other words, on Judgment Day, there will only exist two categories of people: those who have obeyed the gospel and those who haven’t obeyed the gospel. There is no third category of those to whom the gospel was hidden.

For more information see: Everyone (Who Has Ever Lived) Will Hear The Gospel.

Is 2 Corinthians 5:21 Explained by the Doctrine of Double Imputation?

(Todd White Should Step Down) https://youtu.be/uUHZN1kxb48

Recently I was listening to Justin Peters’ discernment video on why Todd White should step down as a pastor. I frequently listen to Peters as I respect his vital ministry of calling out those who would impugn Christ through false teaching or shameful and ungodly practices. I don’t know much about Todd White but Peters’ rebuke seems well-placed and quite compelling.

Nevertheless, during the video I was disturbed to hear Peters explain the meaning of 2 Corinthians 5:21 by appealing to a doctrine commonly referred to as double-imputation. According to Ligonier Ministries double imputation is a “twofold transaction” where “our sin is imputed to Jesus. [And] His righteousness is imputed to [us].” Todd White used a hyper-literal apprehension of 2 Corinthians 5:21 to equate Christ with the worst type of sins (an egregious error which many Bible commentators have committed). In seeking to correct White’s misuse of the passage, Peters appeals to the doctrine of imputation. Once upon a time, I too espoused imputation. I did so because esteemed Christian leaders led the way and also because I had never critically looked into its implications.

Peters has rightly directed his ire toward Todd White for the unfathomable impiety of saying deplorable things such as: “Jesus became child pornography.” However, by Peters arguing that our sins were imputed to Christ (an action which requires Christ to become an epic sinner) how is his position any less sacrilegious?

The following dialogue is between myself and another YouTube viewer who, siding with Peters, questioned my critique of Peters’ explanation.

1 Kings 13 vs. Mohammed vs. Joseph Smith

There are three historical accounts that have remarkably similar parallels.

In the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 13 is the historical account of a prophet from Judah who is sent to Bethel to confront the rebellious King Jeroboam with a message from God. God instructs the prophet from Judah not to eat or drink anything while in Bethel and not to return to Judah using the same path that he took to get to Bethel (v.8-9). During the course of the Judean prophet’s stay in Bethel, he is confronted by an “old prophet” (v.11) who tries to get him to dine with him at his house in Bethel (v.15). The Judean prophet rebuffs the offer informing the old prophet that God had instructed him not to dine in Bethel (v.16-17). The old prophet then informs the Judean prophet that an angel from God revealed new instructions to him and that the newer revelation from God, contrary to the first, permitted him to dine in Bethel after all (v. 18). The Judean prophet decides to adhere to the new revelation and ends up dining in the home of the old prophet (v.19). For his disobedience, God sends a lion to slay the Judean prophet (v.21-24). Was the Judean prophet wrong for rejecting the old revelation of God for the purportedly “new” revelation from an angel?

Mohammed (570-632) was an Arabian prophet who, according to Islam, was the last messenger of Allah. As a prophet, Mohammed’s message to his contemporaries was that an angel named Gabriel had brought him new revelation from God. This new revelation is contained in the Quran, Islam’s central religious text. The Islamic understanding of this new revelation is that the old revelation is wrong in certain places. For instance, the Quran denies that God has a son (in Surah 10:68; 19:88, etc.) whereas both the O.T and the N.T. affirm the existence of God’s son (in Psalm 2:7 & John 3:16, etc.). In another example, the Bible describes God as triune (Isaiah 48:16, 1 John 5:7) whereas the Quran repudiates this claim (Surah 4:171, Surah 5:17; 5:70-75). As is evidenced by the millions of professing Muslims today, many have chosen to affirm the new revelation’s claim that it has superseded the old. Are Muslims wrong for rejecting the “old” revelation of God for the purportedly “new” revelation from an angel?

Joseph Smith (1805-1844) was an American prophet, who according to Mormonism (or the Latter Day Saints or LDS), was chosen by God to initiate the restoration of the Christian church. As a prophet, Joseph Smith’s message to his contemporaries was that an angel named Moroni had brought to his attention new revelation from God. This new revelation is contained in the Book of Mormon, one of Mormonism’s standard works. The LDS church’s understanding of this new revelation is that the old revelation is wrong in certain places. For instance, the Book of Mormon teaches that little children do not have a sin nature and are therefore incapable of committing sin (Moroni 8:8) whereas the Bible insists that all descendants of Adam, except Christ, are already sinners at conception (Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:5). In another example, the Bible asserts that Adam and Eve could have kept God’s command to “be fruitful and multiply” (Genesis 1:28) without disobeying God’s command regarding the forbidden fruit (Genesis 2:17). Hence the Bible portrays Adam’s disobedience as unnecessary and ruinous (Romans 5:12-19). On the other hand, the Book of Mormon maintains that Adam and Eve’s obedience of Genesis 2:17 would have rendered them childless and hence their disobedience was a laudable act which brought joy to mankind (2 Nephi 2:23-25). As is evidenced by the millions of professing Mormons today, many have chosen to affirm the new revelation’s claim that it has superseded the old. Are Mormons wrong for rejecting the “old” revelation of God for the purportedly “new” revelation from an angel?

Historical Account	Prophet’s name was:	Received “new” revelation from an angel	The angel’s name was:	Does the new revelation claim to supersede the original revelation?	Was the decision to follow the “new” revelation right or wrong?
1 Kings 13	An unnamed Judean Prophet	Yes	Not given	Yes	Wrong (v.21-24)
Islamic History	Mohammed	Yes	Gabriel	Yes	?
Mormon History	Joseph Smith	Yes	Moroni	Yes	?

Does the Bible weigh in on which road the decision maker should have taken?

Yes. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul says that the decision maker should always disregard new revelation if it does not accord with the old, even if the new revelation is delivered by an angel.

Gentile Believers Should Observe the Feast of Weeks (a.k.a. Shavuot or Pentecost)!

What is the Feast of Weeks (a.k.a. Shavuot or Pentecost)?

The Feast of Weeks (Hebrew: Shavuot; Greek: Pentecost) is the fourth of seven annual appointed times which God in His word has commanded His assembly/congregation to keep. Shavuot, like most of the other six feasts, is an annual Sabbath day (a.k.a. High Sabbath). Shavuot is the only one of the seven appointed times which occurs in or near the summer.

The Spring Feasts:

1. The Feast of Passover (Pesach – Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16, Exodus 12:18) foreshadowed the shedding of Christ’s blood, the Passover Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the power of that blood to avert God’s wrath at Calvary as it did in Egypt on the 14th of Nissan. The Passover Lamb was a wrath-spearer, not a wrath-bearer.
2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot – Leviticus 23:6-8, Numbers 28:17-25, Exodus 23:15) foreshadowed Christ’s condemnation of the sin in our flesh which puffs us up like leaven (Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8) and the final removal of sin at Calvary (1 Corinthians 5:8). [2 High Sabbaths]
3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Yom HaBikkurim or Reishit Katzir – Leviticus 23:9-14, Numbers 28:26-31) foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) as Jesus was resurrected on this very day.

Summer Feast:

4. The Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot or Pentecost – Leviticus 23:15-22) foreshadows the giving of the Spirit to the church (Acts 2:1-4). [High Sabbath]

Gentile Believers Should Observe The Feast Of FirstFruits!

 

What is the Feast of Firstfruits (Yom Habikkurim a.k.a. Reishit Katzir)?

The Feast of First Fruits (Hebrew: Yom Habikkurim) is the third of seven annual appointed times which God has commanded His congregation to keep. Firstfruits, unlike most of the other feasts days is not an annual Sabbath (a.k.a. High Sabbath).

The Spring Feasts:

1. The Feast of Passover (Pesach – Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16, Exodus 12:18) foreshadowed the shedding of Christ’s blood, the Passover Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the power of that blood to avert God’s wrath at Calvary as it did in Egypt on the 14th of Nissan. The Passover Lamb was a wrath-spearer not a wrath-bearer.
2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot – Leviticus 23:6-8, Numbers 28:17-25, Exodus 23:15) foreshadowed Christ’s condemnation of the sin in our flesh which puffs us up like leaven (Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8) and the final removal of sin at Calvary (1 Corinthians 5:8).
3. The Feast of Firstfruits (HaBikkurim or Reishit Katzir – Leviticus 23:9-14, Numbers 28:26-31) foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) as Jesus was resurrected on this very day.

Summer Feast:

4. The Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot or Pentecost – Leviticus 23:15-22) foreshadows the giving of the Spirit to the church (Acts 2:1-4).

The Fall Feasts:

5. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah – Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6)   foreshadows the trumpet-announced gathering of Christ’s congregation at the Rapture (Numbers 10:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52) and the 2nd Coming (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 11:15).
6. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur – Leviticus 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11)  foreshadows elements of Christ’s crucifixion (i.e. the day of the world’s atonement) but also the fountain that will be opened to Israel for her future cleansing from sin and uncleanness at Christ’s Second Coming (Zechariah 13:1; 12:10)
7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – Leviticus 23:33-43, Numbers 29:12-39) foreshadows Christ’s Millennial reign when He comes back to earth to tabernacle among men (Zechariah 14:16-19, Revelation 21:3).

Gentile Believers Should Observe The Feast of Passover

What is the Feast of the Passover (a.k.a. Pesach)?

The Feast of the Passover (Hebrew: Pesach) is the first of seven annual appointed times which God has commanded His congregation (i.e. Hebrew: miqra; Greek: ecclesia) to keep. Pesach is celebrated on the 14th of Nissan and unlike most of the other feasts, is not an annual (or High) Sabbath. Nevertheless, it is the first and most significant of all the Lord’s feasts. Pesach is one of three feasts of YHWH that occur in the spring.

The Spring Feasts:

1. The Feast of Passover (Pesach – Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16, Exodus 12:18) foreshadowed the shedding of Christ’s blood, the Passover Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7) and the power of that blood to avert God’s wrath at Calvary as it did in Egypt on the 14th of Nissan. The Passover Lamb was a wrath-spearer not a wrath-bearer.
2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Chag HaMatzot – Leviticus 23:6-8, Numbers 28:17-25, Exodus 23:15) foreshadowed Christ’s condemnation of the sin in our flesh which puffs us up like leaven (Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8) and the final removal of sin at Calvary (1 Corinthians 5:8).
3. The Feast of Firstfruits (HaBikkurim or Reishit Katzir – Leviticus 23:9-14, Numbers 28:26-31)  foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) as Jesus was resurrected on this very day.

Summer Feast:

4. The Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot or Pentecost – Leviticus 23:15-22) foreshadows the giving of the Spirit to the church (Acts 2:1-4).

The Fall Feasts:

5. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah – Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6)   foreshadows the trumpet-announced gathering of Christ’s congregation at the Rapture (Numbers 10:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52) and the 2nd Coming (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 11:15).
6. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur – Leviticus 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11)  foreshadows elements of Christ’s crucifixion (i.e. the day of the world’s atonement) but also the fountain that will be opened to Israel for her future cleansing from sin and uncleanness at Christ’s Second Coming (Zechariah 13:1; 12:10)
7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – Leviticus 23:33-43, Numbers 29:12-39) foreshadows Christ’s Millennial reign when He comes back to earth to tabernacle among men (Zechariah 14:16-19, Revelation 21:3).

On Which Day Did Christ Die?

Download the PDF version here.

For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth…and the third day he shall be raised again. (Matt 12:40, 17:23 KJV)

Some Things To Think About

• Like Mark 8:31’s “after three days “, Matt 12:40’s “three days and three nights ” cannot refer to a 72 hour period (i.e. three full days and three full nights) because in Matt 17:23 Christ was also prophesied to rise on the 3rd day. [2, 7, 10]
• If one allows for the accepted Hebrew idiom of regarding any part of a 24 hour day as a whole day [2] , then Friday would satisfy Matt 17:23’s “the third day ” but still fail Mark 8:31’s “after three days ” & Matt 12:40’s “three days and three nights .”
• Likewise, even if one explains Matt 28:1’s plural Sabbath as referring to overlapping Sabbath days, John 12:1’s Ephraim to Bethany 20-mile trip occurring six days earlier (i.e. on a Sabbath) clearly violates the expectations for a Sabbath day’s journey [5] .

A Thursday crucifixion is the only option which satisfies Mark 8:31’s “after three days “, Matt 12:40’s “three days and three nights”, Matt 17:23’s “the third day “, Matt 28:1’s plural Sabbath and John 12:1’s trip to Bethany occurring 6 days earlier.

Explanations

1. It may be observed that the Jews, speaking of their Passover, sometimes speak according to their civil computation, wherein they measured their days from sun-rising to sun-rising. Sometimes according to their sacred computation, which was from sun-set to sun-set. (TSK Mt 28:1)
2. The Jewish idiom “three days and three nights” allowed for any portion of a day or night to be reckoned as the whole (See 1 Samuel 30:12-13; Ester 4:16; Ester 5:1; Judges 14:17-18, Matthew 27:63-64 etc.). If “three days and three nights” is taken literally to mean seventy-two hours,
   there would be an apparent contradiction with the many prophecies and records that He would rise on “the third day” (Mat 16:21, 17:23, 20:19; Mark 9:31, 10:34; John 2:19; Luke 13:32, 18:33, 21:7,21,46; Acts 10:40; 1Co 15:4; etc.) Henry Morris DSB.
3. In Matt 28:1, the Greek word for Sabbath (i.e. Sabbaton) is plural (e.g. YLT, ISV). This is not the first time translators have neglected to rightly render the Sabbath as a plural noun. For instance, Mark 1:21 & Luke 4:31 are both parallel verses with a plural Sabbath but for some reason, the plurality only appears in Luke.
4. At the evening, between the evenings or both? Verses like Numbers 9:5, Deut 16:6 & Joshua 5:10 would suggest that the command to kill and eat the Passover was understood to convey an evening sacrifice, however the Hebrew text (of Exodus 12:6) actually states: beyn haarbayim , “between the two evenings.” (Clarke)
5.  Six days from a Friday turns out to be the preceding Sabbath day. As the trek from Ephraim to Bethany (i.e. 20 miles) was longer than what a “Sabbath day’s journey” (i.e. about a mile or two in Acts 1:12) permitted, it seems clear that Nissan 14th could not be (Good) Friday (Missler)
6.  John 19:14’s “the third hour” means the third hour after sunrise or 9:00 a.m. using the Jewish civil computation of a 24 hour day. John, writing mainly for Gentile readers, used the Roman computation of a day, commenting that Jesus was before Pilate at “about the sixth hour” (John 19:14). Since the Roman day started at midnight, this would have been about 6:00 a.m. (Morris). Moreover, “the preparation of the Passover” must refer to the day before the Feast of Unleavened Bread since in John 13:1-2, the “feast of the Passover [i.e. the seven-day Feast of Unleavened bread]” was approaching with “supper [i.e. Passover supper] being ended.”
7. Only Thursday allows for three Days and three Nights: 1. (Day 1 was Nissan 14th’s Morning, Night 1 was Nissan 15th’s Evening) 2. (Day 2 was Nissan 15th’s Morning, Night 2 was Nissan 16th’s Evening) 3. (Day 3 was Nissan 16th’s Morning, Night 3 was Nissan 17th’s Evening when Christ arose!)
8. Nissan 14th would have been the Day of Preparation for both the High Sabbath (i.e. 1st day) of the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Friday, Nisan 15th) and the weekly Sabbath (Saturday, Nisan 16th). As such was the case, John 19:14 could refer to that day as the “preparation of the Passover.”
9. The Feast of Firstfruits was always on Sunday or the “morrow after the sabbath.” The term “sabbath” in Lev 23:14 refers to the weekly Sabbath which fell within the 7 days of the Feast of Unleavened Bread and not to the High Sabbath of Nissan 15th (See Lev 23:10-16). This interpretation is confirmed by the implications of the Feast of Weeks’ (Shavuot or Pentecost) instructions to reach the 50th day by counting 7 (weekly) sabbaths from the starting point of Firstfruits. Any other interpretation of Firstfruits’ computation must equivocate on the term “sabbath” in Lev 23:11, 15 & 18 because the 49 days succeeding Firstfruits do not contain 7 High Sabbaths.
10. The word “days” in Matt 17:23’s “three days and three nights” refers to the daylight portion of a day (i.e. 12 hours). A similar usage occurs in John 11:9 where Jesus asks: “Are there not 12 hours in the day?” However, regarding Acts 10:40’s “Him God raised up the third day” (like Matt 17:23 & 1 Cor 15:4) the word “day” there refers to a 24 period of time. Hence, Matt 27:63-64’s usage of both the 12 hour day (v.63) and the 24 hour day (v.64) proves that both interpretations of “day” were employed in the gospels. Adopting the correct understanding of the term “day” will protect the reader from forming invalid expectations.
11. John 19:14’s the “preparation of the Passover” must refer to the day before the Feast of Unleavened Bread since in John 13:1-2, the “feast of the Passover [i.e. the seven day Feast of Unleavened bread]” was approaching with “supper [i.e. Nissan 14th’s Passover supper] being ended.” Hence, “eat the Passover” in John 18:28 need only refer to whatever was to be eaten on the 15th of Nissan as a result of the Feast (See Num 28:17).

Gentile believers should observe the Day of Atonement!

What is the Day of Atonement (a.k.a. Yom Kippur)?

The Day of Atonement (Hebrew: Yom Kippur) is one of seven annual Sabbath days which God commanded His congregation to keep.

1. 1. The Feast of Passover (Pesach – Leviticus 23:5, Numbers 28:16, Exodus 12:18) foreshadowed the shedding of Christ’s blood, the Passover Lamb of God (1 Corinthians 5:7).
   2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Matzot – Leviticus 23:6-8, Numbers 28:17-25, Exodus 23:15) foreshadowed Christ’s condemnation of the sin in our flesh which puffs us up like leaven (Romans 8:3; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8) and the final removal of sin at Calvary (1 Corinthians 5:8).
   3. The Feast of Firstfruits (Reishit Katzir – Leviticus 23:9-14, Numbers 28:26-31)  foreshadowed Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23) as Jesus was resurrected on this very day.
   4. The Feast of Weeks (Shavu’ot or Pentecost – Leviticus 23:15-22) foreshadows the giving of the Spirit to the church (Acts 2:1-4).
   5. The Feast of Trumpets (Yom Teruah – Leviticus 23:23-25, Numbers 29:1-6)   foreshadows the trumpet-announced gathering of Christ’s congregation at the Rapture (Numbers 10:1-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52) and the 2nd Coming (Matthew 24:31; Revelation 11:15).
   6. The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur – Leviticus 16:2-34, Leviticus 23:26-32, Numbers 29:7-11)  foreshadows elements of Christ’s crucifixion, i.e., Christ is both our sin-offering (Hebrew: chatta’h) and our sin-bearer (Hebrew: azazel) who takes away the sins of the world. Yom Kippur also foreshadows the day when a fountain that will be opened to Israel for her future cleansing from sin and uncleanness at Christ’s Second Coming (Zechariah 13:1; 12:10)
   7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot – Leviticus 23:33-43, Numbers 29:12-39) foreshadows Christ’s Millennial reign when He comes back to earth to tabernacle among men (Zechariah 14:16-19, Revelation 21:3).

In addition to the weekly Sabbath observance required by Exodus 20:11, God (in Leviticus 23) revealed seven of His annual appointed times or feast days which He commanded His congregation to observe. Though two of these seven annual feast days are not Sabbaths (i.e. Passover & the Feast of Firstfruits), the other five annual feast days express themselves as seven annual Sabbaths. In relation to God’s religious calendar (Exodus 12:2), the Yom Kippur is the sixth of God’s seven annual feast days, and the fifth of the seven annual Sabbaths. Its celebration occurs on the tenth day of the seventh Jewish month of Tishrei.

Gentile believers should observe the Feast of Trumpets!

What is the Feast of Trumpets (a.k.a. Yom Teruah)?

The Feast of Trumpets is one of seven annual Sabbath days which God commanded His congregation to keep. In addition to the weekly Sabbath observance required by Exodus 20:11, God (in Leviticus 23) revealed seven of His annual appointed times or feast days which He commanded His congregation to observe. Though two of these seven feast days are not Sabbaths (i.e. Passover & the Feast of Firstfruits), the other five feast days express themselves as seven annual Sabbaths. In relation to God’s religious calendar (Exodus 12:2), the Feast of Trumpets is the fourth of God’s seven annual appointed times. However, with respect to the Jewish civil calendar, the Feast of Trumpets is the first, for it coincides with the beginning of the Jewish new year known as Rosh Hashanah (i.e. the head of the year) which begins on the first day (at the new moon) of the seventh month (i.e. Tishrei).

Christians worship on Sunday because of the Sunday Resurrection and the deliberate Sunday appearances of the resurrected Christ. Really?

Unless otherwise noted, all verses below are taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

Table of Contents

1. The Introduction

2. Christianity is a Jewish faith

3. God told the Jews when to worship

4. God wants Gentile believers to keep the biblical Sabbath

5. The Scriptures say that New Covenant Sabbath-keepers will receive a better name, a better heritage and much more!

6. Early Christians assembled on the Sabbath Day

7. If the Sabbath has truly been abolished then why should the Church still assemble?

8. The New Covenant has done away with Sabbath law but it will soon be mandatory in the New Covenant. Wait, what?

9. The Sabbath law is a necessary inference of Genesis 2:2-3

10. The seven-day week betrays the ongoing relevance of the Sabbath

11. Are there certain commandments in the Mosaic Law which are no longer applicable? If so, what does this mean?

12. The Law has been “abolished” yet it “remains in effect.” Are you confused? So am I!

13. According to Hebrews 4:9, there remains an “observance of the Sabbath”

14. Are those who disregard the Sabbath being disloyal to God?

15. Exploring the origins of Sunday worship

16. Hijacking the “Lord’s Day”

17. Extra-biblical Evidence of Sabbath-keeping Throughout Church History

18. Constantine, Antisemitism and the persecution of Sabbath-Keepers

19. Ecclesiastical forgeries and the Roman State Church’s involvement in Sunday Worship

20. Keeping the Sabbath obligates one to keep the whole law? Really?

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The Introduction

This may come as a shock to some, but in all of the Bible, there is no verse that commands Christians to come together for corporate worship on a Sunday. Neither is there a verse which records Christians coming together for routine worship on a Sunday.

There is the oft-cited Acts 20:7 which mentions a Sunday evening Christian gathering (which would actually be Monday in Jewish reckoning) where the apostle Paul preached until midnight, but the purpose of this meeting was for fellowship and dinner, hence the term “breaking bread” which is used therein. Sometimes “breaking bread” can also refer to partaking in Holy Communion a.k.a. the Lord’s Supper (e.g. Matthew 26:26, 1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Nevertheless, this biblical phrase, on several occasions including this one (see Acts 20:11), only referred to eating a meal (e.g. Lamentations 4:4; Luke 24:30,35; Acts 2:46; Acts 20:11, Acts 27:33-35 etc.). Another verse often cited is 1 Corinthians 16:2 but this verse pertains to private preparation, doesn’t even mention a Christian gathering, and is therefore wholly irrelevant to the matter of corporate worship.

Will God Ensure that Everyone gets a Chance to Hear the Gospel—Even the Aborted Baby?

Unless otherwise noted, all verses below are taken from the King James Version of the bible.

Election According to Foreknowledge is the Key!

Was the Gospel, as the Bible claims (in Colossians 1:23), really preached to every creature which is under heaven? Or should we, like many other Bible teachers, conclude that these words spoken by Paul are merely hyperbole? Curiously, one way to confirm the seriousness of this claim lies in one’s understanding of the doctrine of election. According to the Bible, before Christ created the world, He preserved the names of several people in His [i.e. the Lamb’s] Book of Life (Revelation 13:8; 3:5; 17:8; 20:15; Luke 10:20; Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). It turns out that this book irrevocably contains the names of all those who are considered ‘elect.’ Elect is a term which refers to persons whom God has chosen ahead of time to inherit salvation. In Bible verses such as 1 Peter 1:2 and Romans 8:29, the Bible tells us that God’s choice about who to elect were based upon His foreknowledge or His knowledge-known-ahead-of-time. This is a particular and preferred understanding of what is known as the doctrine of election.
(Also see What Does The Bible Mean By Election?, Elect according to the foreknowledge of God & Fore knowledge is a Condition)

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2)

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [i.e. elect] to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)

But what exactly did God know ahead of time and how does this foreknowledge fit into God’s rationale for choosing one person but not another? The Bible tells us that God is not a respecter of persons (Deuteronomy 10:17; Romans 2:11; Acts 10:34) so we know that God’s foreknowledge has nothing to do with one’s physical appearance, nationality or one’s efforts of any sort. If Hebrews 11:6 is right regarding the claim that God rewards those who diligently seek Him, then the only logical and biblical conclusion regarding the criteria which God used when choosing His elect is faith (i.e. whether a person, if given the chance, would obey the gospel).

The Old Testament does not condone polygamy!

While I was reading an NPR article entitled: Same Bible, Different Verdict On Gay Marriage I ran across a claim that I have encountered one to many times and that has galvanized me into responding with this blog entry. An excerpt from the article states:

LaBerge resigned her post as minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) after the denomination voted last year to ordain non-celibate gay clergy. She says the Bible is clear.

“From the Old Testament and throughout the New Testament, the only sexual relationships that are affirmed in scripture are those in the context of marriage between one man and one woman,” she says.

Actually, the Old Testament does condone polygamy. Still, LaBerge says, from Leviticus to Paul’s writings in Romans and First Corinthians, homosexual acts are called vile and detestable, and legalizing same-sex relationships does not change the sin.

As the author (Barbara Bradley Hagerty) interjects the phrase: “Actually, the Old Testament does condone polygamy,” I am left thinking to myself, Really? Where in the Old Testament is the reader told that God allows polygamy? In Hagerty’s defense, one will undoubtedly find many theologians who utter the same claim without hesitation [7]; but this observation in and of itself does not constitute a proof. To be sure, there are several accounts of Old Testament men who had multiple wives (Genesis 16:3; 25:6; 1 Samuel 1:1-2; 2 Samuel 5:13; Judges 8:30; 2 Chronicles 11:21; 13:21; 1 Kings 11:3 etc.) but then there are also several accounts of Old Testament men who worshiped idols (1 Kings 11:5, 1 Kings 16:30-31, 2 Kings 21:1-3, Judges 2:11-13, Hosea 13:2, etc.). Yet, in light of Exodus 20:1-5 no one in their right mind would claim that the Old Testament condones idol worshiping. The mere existence of polygamous unions in the Old Testament scriptures is not a rational basis for assuming or concluding that God condoned the practice any more than the existence of idol worshipers constitutes God’s acceptance of idolatry.